Background Information – Job-specific

 

 

Background Information – IPAS

 

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the UNOPS Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) serves all the regions and headquarters, primarily with advice and solutions to everyday implementation challenges. IPAS consists of a diverse team of subject matter experts in the five practice areas of HR, Administration, Finance, Procurement, Project Management and Infrastructure. IPAS has three main roles:

Support to operations in the field offices: IPAS provides timely advice and supports actively finding of solutions to everyday implementation challenges, based on policy and best practices. It also provides operational support in specific areas.

Business efficiency: IPAS recommends changes to policies, processes and operating standards based on the feedback and experience of the field offices. IPAS also ensures transparent and efficient project implementation, in line with policy and business needs.

Body of knowledge: IPAS contributes to research and coordination within the policy groups and project practitioners. It provides structured knowledge and subject matter expertise which is used across practice areas to provide coherent and tailored advice to the requesting offices.

Sneak peak of our working environment:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8CyuSqczvI

 

Functional Responsibilities

Reporting to the Infrastructure and Project Management Advisor of IPAS Project Management and Infrastructure (IPAS PMI), the successful candidate may be required to work on the following:

• Support IPAS PMI in the development and management of various initiatives within the team including the development and regular monitoring of the workplan leading to a more efficient work management within the unit.
• Support the PMI Project Analyst in the maintenance of all relevant knowledge management efforts for the unit, such as knowledge articles on Confluence, preparing presentations, coordinating knowledge sharing activities, etc.
• Support the JIRA Development Project Manager working with ICT and other focal points as needed to ensure continuous troubleshooting and system improvements, and monitoring of PMI team Jira activity.
• Contribute to the analysis of various types of data and prepare reports as required. This may include but not be limited to developing presentations and reports based on the analysis of several databases.
• Support the IPAS PMI team in ensuring requests for support and advice are managed and addressed timely.
• Coordinate small projects, being responsible for managing deadlines, distributing tasks, and promoting effective communication.
• Other day-to-day tasks as assigned.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education Requirements:

• Completion of secondary school or equivalent is required.
• Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or have recently completed (within three years prior to the application date of the internship) a Bachelor/Master’s/Ph.D. Degree in a relevant area, preferably in Civil Engineering, Business Administration or Social Sciences.
• Completion of an Advanced University Degree in the relevant areas is a strong asset.

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be considered an asset.

Internship-related experience:

• While no prior work experience is required the following experience is highly desirable:
• Knowledge of Google Workspace is an asset;
• Analytical skills;
• Database analysis, processing and reporting;
• Ability to prepare communication material including presentations;
• Website and intranet development;
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programs, particularly with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word and other publishing software

 

Competencies

 

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 

Contract type, level and duration

 

Contract type: Internship
Contract level: N/A
Contract duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension maximum up to 12 consecutive months; subject to satisfactory performance and available budget

This internship is not designed to lead to a staff position with UNOPS. Therefore, there should be no expectation of employment at the end of the internship.

Interns may be eligible for a monthly stipend from UNOPS provided that they do not receive funds from other institutions. Further, UNOPS may provide a one time travel lumpsum of 500 USD. However, interns must make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and necessary visa arrangements.

For more details about UNOPS internships please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Internships-and-volunteering.aspx

 

Additional Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.